Inspiration for Charming Occasions

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Bikini Safe Party Dips

Since it seems that spring has finally show up, after what is arguably one of the longest winters ever – you guys, it actually snowed here on April 19th – I’m sure summer is just around the corner. And while all the rich and delicious party foods of winter certainly hit the spot when the thermometer stayed below zero, they just won’t do now that it is almost time to don our swimsuits and play in the sun!

These light refreshing dips are perfect for summer picnics and cookouts, and since they taste so good, no one needs to know they’re actually healthy! They are delicious dips for veggies, crackers and chips and they’re also quite good as sandwich spreads, too.

Dill Yogurt Dip

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon dill*

1 tablespoon chives*

½ tablespoon parsley*

2 teaspoons dried onion flakes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

*you can use fresh or dried herbs and adjust the amounts to your liking

Mix all of the ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors time to develop.

Serve with veggies, crackers and chips. As with all dairy based foods, make sure not to leave this sitting out for more than an hour or two.

Caramelized Onion Yogurt Dip

3 large Vidalia Onions

1 tablespoon butter

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup Greek yogurt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

Caramelize the onions. My favorite way to do this is by chopping them up and throwing them in the slow cooker with a tablespoon of butter and a bit of salt for 3-4 hours on low, until they are light brown and very soft. Remove the lid and turn the power to high for about an hour, allowing all the liquid to evaporate and the onions to turn a deep brown. Make sure to stir them every 15 minutes or so at this point so they don’t burn. They can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two weeks.

You can also caramelize them in a pan on the stove. Add the onions, butter and salt to a sauté pan and stir them every 2-3 minutes until they are a deep brown color. It takes about an hour.

After the onions have cooled, mix them with the yogurt, garlic, salt and pepper. This dip is good immediately, but its really good once its been refrigerated for a few hours, which allows the flavors time to develop.

Serve with veggies, crackers and chips. As with all dairy based foods, make sure not to leave this sitting out for more than an hour or two.

If you’d like a few more party snack ideas that won’t leave you hiding in a swimsuit cover up, check out a few of my favorites.